The answer is: Light

Gen 1:3 - God first created light, but this wasn't light from the sun as this wasn't created until later.

Isn't it fascinating to picture this scene from Genesis? Imagine a vast, formless void, and suddenly, BAM! God said, "Let there be light," and light flooded existence. This light wasn't just about illumination; it symbolized the very presence of life and order, breaking the chaos of darkness.

Interestingly enough, the idea of light in the Bible often signifies knowledge, purity, and divine truth. In John 1:5, it beautifully states that "the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it," echoing the same theme found in the creation story. Just like Genesis initiates a sequence of creation with this first spark, many ancient cultures also had creation myths that began with chaos or darkness transforming into order, yet, biblical creation uniquely points to a singular divine act.

Also, it's worth noting how Hebrews 11:3 reflects the power of divine speech: "By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command." The spoken word of God imbued reality with existence that wasn't contingent on physical aspects, such as the sun, demonstrating a sense of awe regarding the power of creation itself, independent of worldly elements.

Beyond theology, this idea is echoed in modern science when we think about the Big Bang theory — a similar explosion of light and energy at the universe's inception. Isn’t it interesting how ancient texts can resonate with contemporary understandings of our universe? It's all interconnected, shedding light on our human quest for knowledge and truth!